How to avoid shiny object syndrome and focus on what your blog needs – Dave Domzalski

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Ever had “shiny object syndrome?”

*yes Pete

Have you ever been frustrated or impatient with your blog or business results? Ever thought “Ugh I want growth! And more revenues!”

*yes again pete

We all have. It’s in our nature to desire…and the fear of missing out is real. As bloggers and online business enthusiasts, we’re constantly on the lookout for opportunities, the next amazing thing, the next tool that will help our growth, etc…and this can be a HUGE distraction for a critical part of successful blogging: focus.

Serious revelation: This is the most personal podcast I’ve done (Dave’s story is truly inspiring and touching). So while we may not talk much about uber-specific-and-tactical blogging tactics to make $59k/month from your blog…we have real talk.

Overcoming personal struggles and focusing to the point of success.

And yes, I’m aware that sounds like something out of a self-help book.

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Key takeaways from today’s episode with Dave @ Run The Money

Some of these are straight out of self-help books, but that doesn’t mean they’re not valuable reminders!

Just…know that.

1 – You are getting better right this second. Have faith in that.

Even if your current project fails, even if your time is spent for NAUGHT (am I using this word correctly?), *something* positive will come of it.

If you are spending 25+ hours a week or your blog as a side-project, and it completely fails…you will still have some positive lessons learned or takeaways from the experience.

This should provide a tiny bit of comfort.

Worry about the future? (I do).

Take a small amount of comfort in the fact that you’re learning, and you will be stronger and smarter the next time around.

Know this: You are learning something right now, whether you realize it or not. What you are working on today shapes you forevermore.

Corny, but still true.

you have the POWER.

2 – “I had a strong passion to get better at it.”

This is directly quoted from Dave.

Context:

We were talking about how Dave has persisted throughout numerous setbacks and failed business ventures. He is still trying things, experimenting, producing content, etc, to this day.

And though he has shown tremendous growth in his skills (especially marketing), it takes an incredible amount of persistence and determination to continue forward.

So I asked him “How have you been able to keep going through all this?”

His answer?

“I had a strong passion to get better at it.”

Re-read that. Let’s just think on that for a second and let it linger.

“I had a strong passion to get better at it.”

How about you?

3 – Question everything, including your path in life.

Remember the American Dream?

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the American Dream. The problem lies when we simply accept the American Dream without questioning whether it’s right for US.

Society in general tends to lay out our paths for us. (You can trust me, I have a sociology degree! (lol))

Go to school

Get good grades

Go to University

Get job

Retire at 65

Ok. Says who? Aren’t there other options? (answer’s yes…)

Question everything.

Is this the path I have chosen?

WARNING: I am NOT suggesting anyone be rebellious by default. Instead, to be thoughtful.

You shouldn’t automatically think anyone else is wrong, or is leading you astray. Dive into your own feelings and purpose, and remain thoughtful.

Question everything and make informed decisions.

4 – Why do bloggers have “shiny object syndrome?”

We are constantly on the lookout for…

ways to make money…

ways to get additional traffic…

new shortcuts to reach our goals.

methods OTHER BLOGGERS USED and saw success…

Why do we do this?

Because we’re driven and have goals. That’s the best answer I could come up with.

The question is…

How can we avoid this and focus? Chances are, we already know how to grow our audience.

We don’t need to rely on the latest marketing hack that XYZ influencer just had success with (though I’d argue those are still important to learn about…but one must maintain the objectivity to know which opportunities to pursue, and which to ignore).

Another answer Dave gave was this: patience.

Blogging takes a while, folks, regardless of skill. So does business. 99% of “overnight successes” really….aren’t.

Have patience (easier said than done, Pete).

Tribe, do you have a favorite failure? Comment below and share it.

Make Dave and I feel better 🙂 🙂

–Pete

P.S. You should check out my free podcasting course. It’s fun and helpful…and podcasting can be incredible for your blog!!

Grab my FREE course on how to use podcasting to grow your blog.

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I listened to this today and really enjoyed your story and got a lot out of it. I too have shiny object sydrome, often in the form of many online courses. It was great to hear how your blogging career has changed over time and how your passion keeps you going.

Great podcast Pete! Thanks for having Dan on, really could relate to what he said. Love your honesty and openness. Your a breath of fresh air. Thanks again for encouraging me that day by day we’re getting better. Lesson learned.

Great podcast Pete! Thanks for having Dave on, really could relate to what he said. Love your honesty and openness. Your a breath of fresh air. Thanks again for encouraging me that day by day we’re getting better. Lesson learned.